Derek Birrell is Professor of Social Policy at the University of Ulster. He has written on policy making in health and social care, the civil service, devolution and social policy, and administrative structures and policy. Ann Marie Gray is Professor of Social Policy at the University of Ulster. She has written on issues relating to adult social care policy, social attitudes, and devolution and social policy.

"This is an excellent book. Informed, engaging and comprehensive. Essential reading for those interested in keeping up to date with the changing environment of social policy and governance." Dr Catherine Bochel, University of Lincoln "This important book successfully tackles the difficult task of explaining and comparing how social welfare is delivered in the now increasingly diverse United Kingdom." Michael Hill, Emeritus Professor of Social Policy, University of Newcastle "An indispensable resource for those who want to understand how complex the delivery of welfare services has become in the UK and its constituent nations in recent years." Nick Ellison, York University "This excellent book offers important insights into the shifting dynamics of who does what for whom in an increasingly complex welfare governance landscape." Sharon Wright, University of Glasgow

• Introduction: the changing landscape of welfare governance and delivery;The devolved administrations and welfare delivery;The role of UK government departments in welfare provision;Local government: the changing scene;Local government responsibility for social welfare services; Delegated governance: 'quangos' and services;New developments in partnership working;The mixed economy: privatisation and welfare delivery;Involving users and the public in the governance and delivery of welfare;Regulating welfare delivery and performance;Conclusion.